Our goal is an environment of decency, quality and mutual respect for all human beings and all other creatures—an environment without ugliness, without poverty, without discrimination, without hunger and without war. Our goal is a decent environment in its deepest and broadest sense.

Nelson had some other interesting things to say, like this about greenwashing:

"Greenwashing is not all bad; in fact, it's a generally positive development. It shows that even the bad guys want to look green to the public. It is a true public relations success, when even your worst opponents claim to share your environmental concerns."

And as to why should continue to observe Earth Day? At age 89, still going to work, he said: